Apparently, football centers aren't born, they are created. At least that's the origin for top-ranked LSU's group. P.J. Lonergan, Elliott Porter and Josh Dworaczyk all came to LSU in other roles, and later were fitted to the only position, other than quarterback, that touches the ball on every play.

Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneSaid the Tigers' P.J. Lonergan (64): 'I can look at our defensive tackles in their stance and tell if they are looping, slanting, backing up, bull rushing ... I've seen it so many times I know what's coming.'

Lonergan leads the way as a member of the Rimington Award watch list and starter for the third consecutive season after playing guard and tackle at Rummel.

Porter, the Tigers' center of the future, wasn't even an offensive player at Shaw. He played defensive tackle and became a Tiger through a circuitous route.

Dworaczyk? He just decided on a lark over the summer to start working at the position and adds stability and depth. He's the likely backup at three positions after two years as a starting guard.

Lonergan is one of the mainstays of an offensive line that is the team's strong point. He's one of seven fifth-year seniors and poised for his best one yet. He played tackle and guard with the Raiders but found his position.

"I've been here a long time through four years," he said. "You feel you owe it to your team to play hard on every snap. I feel like this is my year."

So does offensive coordinator/line coach Greg Studrawa. Lonergan is one of five starters returning on the line, which has slowly built itself up after off years in 2008 and '09.

"I expect the best football he's played," Studrawa said. "He's the general out there. He makes all the calls, the protection checks. If we get into a run or out of a run and into a pass, he makes all the checks. His knowledge is invaluable. All those guys look to him because he's making those calls."

Lonergan said getting there is just a matter of time. He's trying to help Porter get ready to take over next season and believes Porter will do a good job once he gets the experience.

"I can look at our defensive tackles in their stance and tell if they are looping, slanting, backing up, bull rushing ... I've seen it so many times I know what's coming," Lonergan said.

"I like Elliott. He's a good guy; he's coming along well. There were things I struggled with when I was his age just coming in. It's just going to take time. There's no substitute for getting in there and doing things, watching linebackers and defensive linemen, watch how plays develop. Knowing exactly what they are doing gives you the advantage."

Two years ago Porter found himself without a scholarship when LSU oversigned and had too many players to start fall camp. He was released from his letter of intent and signed with Kentucky, but he returned to LSU in January of 2011.

"I'm glad to be back at the place I want to be," Porter said. "I love this coaching staff, and I love this university. When I was up there I thought Kentucky was a good place, but it wasn't right for me. I love LSU. I bleed purple and gold."

Porter has made up for lost time and had the backup spot behind Lonergan last spring despite starting from scratch.

"It's not easy, it's a challenge," he said. "You have to be the leader of the group. If you're not, you're not a good center. That's what P.J. does a nice job of doing. That's what I plan on doing, leading my group. Next year, it's going to be my group. Being with P.J. is good experience."

Dworaczyk being in the mix is more surprising. He's newer at it than Porter and took it up on advice from former teammates Will Blackwell and T-Bob Hebert. Both said the ability to play multiple offensive line positions is helpful when trying to make an NFL roster.

Hebert came to LSU as a center and learned how to play guard, and Blackwell was a defensive end who became a guard and also worked at center in case of an emergency.

"Coach Stud said, 'Go for it. We can use as many backup centers as possible,' " Dworaczyk said.

"I've been working with quarterbacks on exchanges, not a lot of in game action but you never know how the season is going to play out. I'm just getting comfortable snapping the ball and firing off, with the quarterback under center and in the shotgun. I want to be comfortable, so when the time comes I'll be ready for it."